Method for evaluating acoustic sensor data in a fluid carrying network and evaluation unit

Abstract

A method for evaluating sensor data in a fluid carrying network and a corresponding evaluation unit. The method comprising providing a numerical network model, which at least partly represents an acoustic property of the fluid carrying network; receiving sensor data of at least one acoustic sensor placed on the fluid carrying network; calculating model data by using the numerical network model; and evaluating the received sensor data by considering the model data.

1 . A method for operating a fluid carrying network, comprising the steps of:
 providing a numerical network model, which at least partly represents an acoustic property of the fluid carrying network;   receiving sensor data of at least one acoustic sensor placed on the fluid carrying network;   calculating model data by using the numerical network model, the model data being determined by using data representing an acoustic discontinuity in the fluid carrying network, in particular at least one of: a node, a bend, a change of material, a change of a wall thickness, and a change of a diameter; and   evaluating the received sensor data by considering the model data.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the model data is determined by using data representing at least a part of the structure of the fluid carrying network, in particular a main structure or a major part thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the model data is determined by using data representing a pipeline section of the fluid carrying network, in particular a parameter related to an acoustical property thereof, further in particular at least one of:
 a length,   a diameter,   a cross-sectional area, and   a wall thickness.   
     
     
         5 . The method according  claim 1 , wherein the model data is determined by using data representing a network node of the fluid carrying network, in particular at least one of:
 a junction,   a hydrant, and   a valve.   
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the numerical network model and the model data is determined by using the received sensor data. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the model data is determined by using at least one transfer function representing an acoustic signal propagating through the fluid carrying network, wherein the transfer function in particular comprises at least one of:
 an attenuation,   a phase shift, and   a signal propagation time.   
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the model data is determined by calculating an energy loss between different locations of the fluid carrying network, in particular at least one of:
 a loss along a pipeline, in particular along its wall, and   a loss caused by a discontinuity.   
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 using an adaptive algorithm for adjusting the numerical network model, in particular for adjusting at least one of a network structure and physical properties, further in particular by adjusting the numerical network model according to at least one of verified information and the received sensor data.   
     
     
         10 . The method according  claim 1 , further comprising:
 verifying the model data, in particular by a semantic interpretation or by using a nearest-neighbor-algorithm, and of adjusting the numerical network model accordingly.   
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the evaluation of the received sensor data comprises the additional step of displaying the results of the evaluation on a geographical map, in particular on a map showing the fluid carrying network. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the evaluation of the received sensor data comprises the additional step of using the results of the evaluation for estimating the size of a leakage and/or for an automatic sensor installation planning or optimization. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the collection or reception of the sensor data is accomplished by receiving multiple sets of data from a plurality of acoustic sensors and the step of evaluating the received sensor data comprises combining the multiple sets of data. 
     
     
         14 . The method according  claim 13 , wherein the combination is accomplished by correlating the multiple sets of data. 
     
     
         15 . The method according  claim 14 , wherein the correlation is performed only when a noise level measurement indicates that a level of disturbing ambient noise is below a predetermined threshold level. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the evaluating of the received sensor data comprises combining a noise level measurement with the correlation of the multiple sets of data. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 triggering a sending of sensor data in the at least one acoustic sensor the triggering being performed upon detecting an abnormal acoustic event and/or if the measured noise level exceeds a predetermined threshold level.   
     
     
         18 . An evaluation unit for a fluid carrying network, the evaluation unit being configured to perform the method according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         19 . An evaluation unit for a fluid carrying network, comprising:
 a data interface for receiving sensor data; and   a data processing unit for providing output data to an output unit, the output data being dependent on the received sensor data,   wherein the evaluation unit is configured to use a numerical network model for providing model data and to determine the output data with an additional dependency on this model data.